Sunday, the fourth of February displayed the faith, the resiliency, and the relentlessness of the Philadelphia Eagles. Who would have thought that a team hit with so many setbacks during the season and the years behind them would become Super Bowl Champions?

As I watched them play, I compared my writing journey tobecoming a Champion in the SuperBowl. To reach your goal, you have to turn yourself into a relentless writer, reading those books, writing as much as you can, every time you can, attending those classes and implementing what you learn into your book regardless of whether it is poetry, fiction or non-fiction. You're not cocky; you're not out there doing a hip-hop dance, and you don't examineyour competition and measure what their chances are because you don't want to waste your time.

No, you have got your eyes on your goal, and you're looking at your writing. For example, at the moment, my knees are knocking, slightly trembling, wanting to buckle under,as I complete this final revision of my manuscript so that I can submit it to the RNA, (Romantic Novelist's Association) in the United Kingdom. That’s right. January 2nd ushered in a new epoch in my life. I was one of the 300 people chosen for the New Writer’s Scheme. We have a deadline of August 31, but as usual, I have set myself a deadline for May 31st. I don’t want to wait around until the last minute. So, my Facebook Reader’s Group is busy reading my manuscript. Asmall group of seven,mixed with writers and readers from all over the western world, I am happy to have them.

So why the shakes?It is like the Philadelphia Eagles and their appearance in the Super Bowl. It takes a quarter portion of resiliency, a quarter portion of relentlessness, a quarter portion of faith, as you learn how to work your vocabulary to create your story, and a quarter portion of joy as you write it from your heart. And, it is that beautiful purple bow of perseverance wrapped around those ingredients I mentioned above that hold youtogether and keep you from falling apart.

So, here I am getting ready to catch my first touchdown. Like the Philadelphia Eagles before Super Bowl LII, I am swampeddoing revisions, receiving critiques from different writers and editors, and looking patiently for the right words to give expression to what is in my heart and will paint pictures through the words I use. I am at the fourth and on the one yard line and have decided to go for what my heart desires, a touch down in traditional publishing. I hope I score and shock the world just like Nick Foles did when he caught that touchdown before the second quarter ended. People, I was jumping for joy. I believe I woke the neighbourhood here in my German Village, when I shouted, "Oh my gosh," and started dancing. As for me, I’ll let you know what happens when I catch my first touchdown at the end of the year.

Hi, Pat! I've missed you. Hope all is well. What a fabulous post. I'm not an Eagles fan, but I did watch the game. And what a game it was! I love how you compared your writing to SB VII. I've been in writing slump, but your post is inspiring. Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG. Blessings, Eva

I'm cheering for you, Pat. I admire your work ethics. You have a strong desire to prevail, and I know you will. Thank you for co-hosting. Thank you for inspiring me through your posts. You are an honourable mentor.

I don't know much about football, but I haven't seen a single person online who wasn't SUPER happy that the Eagles won. CONGRATULATIONS on getting accepted to the New Writer's Scheme! Good luck to you and may you get your touchdown!

I agree with all the previous comments! Great Metaphor! You definitely are on your way to a Touchdown!! I'm out here cheering for you. Also, you are a FABULOUS example of a great writer as you KEEP WRITING no matter the shut downs!!

Congratulations, Pat, as you go for that touchdown! I enjoyed your post. It was refreshing and fun. I was excited about the Eagles winning too. We watched the game at a beach bar on Waikiki with a mix of fans for both teams. It was raucous and lots of fun. Thanks for co-hosting today! Enjoy!

Great comparison between your writing career and the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl. You've created a terrific support system. You will score a touch down and I'm positive you are already leaving footprints in the literary world and beyond.

I wondered about the time difference between the comment timestamp and my time (CDT). THEN I read your profile and realized you are an ExPat American living Germany (currently). I'm an ExPat, too. I'm in Mexico. Thank you for co-hosting this month. That's how I found you.

What a fantastic post! I couldn't agree with you more. It is a journey and when you catch that football and gain the touchdown with your writing, I hope you do the biggest celebration dance because you've earned it! :)

Thank you. I am so happy that I didn't know what happened behind the scenes in writing a book and the prepping, when I first started this journey nine years ago and started taking my writing seriously. Shalom aleichem,Pat G

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and offering your words of encouragement. I'm not much of a football fan despite my Texas heritage, but I was really happy for The Eagles. All the best of blessings with your manuscript. I'm sure the RNA will be happy to confirm your touchdown when the time comes.

Great sports analogy, Pat. So great that you have that Facebook group available as a resource, both to read your work and give feedback but also to help keep you motivated. Keep your eye on that prize. Thanks for the post, and happy writing to you.

Wonderful post and comparison, Pat! It sounds to me that you got it all figured out, every...step...of...the...way! Or, should I say, every yard of the field? :-)

Congrats on having been chosen for the New Writer’s Scheme. So nice that you have a supportive team behind you as well. And, smart to put a tighter deadline in place. Wishing you all the faith, resiliency, relentlessness, and joy needed s you reach the end zone! Thanks for co-hosting!

Congratulations on your accomplishments. It must feel wonderful! Thanks for being one of the co-hosts for this month's topic, too. What keeps you disciplined in your writing routine? I need a bit of inspiration! Thanks. http://www.dianeweidenbenner.com/iwsg-what-do-you-love-about-the-genre-you-write-in-most-often/

Thank you, Diane. You asked what keeps me disciplined in my writing routine. Well, it is a combination desire and loving the fact that I can write, and knowing that I have something to say, or people to reach through what I write. The desire is anchored in me wanting to fulfil my purpose in life. When I am down or find it difficult, then I sit before my computer and start writing in my journal why and the inspiration sneaks up on me. Suddenly, I can work on what I need to work on and usually I work late into the night or get up and work early in the morning. And I have to admit that when I finally started taking my writing seriously, I admitted to myself that writing was a part of my heart. I hope this helps you. Shalom aleichem,Pat G

What a cool analogy. And what a super win they had, so I wish the same for you. I haven't heard of the group RNA you talked about or the New Writers Scheme. I'm in France right now and hope you're fairing well with this wonderful weather we're having! Thanks for co-hosting!

Keep at it Rosemary. Don't stop submitting. I haven't submitted in January, but I started again this month by submitting to the WEP which takes place every two months. It might be something for you.Shalom aleichem,Pat G